Walking for weight loss is never touted as effective because it is cheap. But it is one of the most effective and rewarding means of weight control.
Even though you may hear of walking camps and walking vacations all the time, walking does not seem as popular or as appealing as is joining a fitness club. Why is this so? It's anyone's guess. But this much we do know:
- Walking is the safest and best form of exercise. Swimming is second.
- The speed with which you walk is not as important as the duration of the walking activity.
- Walking outdoors carries extra benefits. A walk in the park for example, exposes you to fresh air (more negative ions) which is more relaxing than most indoor conditions.
- People with diabetes can become less dependent on medications by walking for one hour every morning. Start small (10 minutes, even, until you can go for longer periods.)
- Walking for weight loss means fewer injuries compared to other forms of exercise.
- Walking doesn't require lots of gadgets - just a pair of walking shoes.
If you're walking to lose weight you have got to be patient. It is important to realize how we lose weight. We lose the extra weight in a manner I call the first-on, last-off principle, or FOLO.
Simply put; if your abdomen was the first to show signs of your weight condition, your abdominal bulge will be the last to go. Do all the crunches you want. The body loses fat systematically.
Also remember, you can't convert fat into muscle. So. patience and persistence pay when it comes to weight loss.
If you're thinking of walking to lose weight you might want to note the following:
- start small - if this is something you have not been doing for a long time, begin walking for shorter periods at first
- be patient - it took a relatively long time to gain weight. It may take a long time to lose it too.
- don't work against yourself - there is no point in trying to lose weight by exercise alone.
- watch all factors - Combine the effect of exercise with that of a proper diet and see amazing results.
- talk to your doctor - before you tackle anything strenuous you should always consult your physician.
If you start walking to lose weight you will see and love the results. It's one of the safest and surest ways to get results while minimizing the health risks. Get up and go... you'll see what mean.
